Singer-Songwriter Organizes Shakers’ Ball

Thursday April 28, 2005

Show Featuring Three Bands to Benefit Parkinson’s Organizations

Apr. 11, 2005 - Rob Barteletti, a Portland-area singer-songwriter, has organized The Shakers Ball, a benefit for the Parkinson Center of Oregon and Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon at 7 p.m. on May 11 at Lola’s Room at the Crystal Ballroom, 13th and Burnside.

Diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in 2002, Barteletti explained, “I wanted to do something meaningful and fun – preferably with music – for the folks who treat and support those of us with PD.”

Excited about the idea, Lisa Mann, Patient Care Coordinator at PCO, and Holly Chaimov, Executive Director of PRO, gave Barteletti the green-light.

“That’s when I shifted into overdrive, contacted Bart and came up with the name ‘The Shakers’ Ball,’” said Barteletti.

With the help and influence of long-time Portland rocker Bart Ferguson, former lead singer and songwriter for Kerosene Dream, The Shakers’ Ball has been rolling toward May 11 ever since.

“Bart has been super about helping me get this show together,” Barteletti said gratefully. “I couldn’t have put this idea into reality without him. And it’s been fun and gratifying to work with people like Lisa and Holly. They do so much good for folks with PD, it’s great to be able to use music to help support and celebrate their organizations.”

The Bart Ferguson Band will headline the show. Also performing will be Nick Peets & Friends, as well as Barteletti and his band, the Shadows. All three bands feature the original Americana/folk-rock songs of their leaders.

Barteletti, Peets (former lead singer and songwriter for Jigsaw Jones) and Ferguson will sell signed copies of their CDs at the show, with half the proceeds of record sales and – through the generosity of McMenamins and the bands – the entire door going to PCO and PRO.

Tickets are available for $10 through PCO (www.ohsu.edu/pco/) and PRO (www.parkinsonsresources.org), Ticketmaster outlets, the Crystal Ballroom box office, and at the door.

Mann commented, “The generosity of Rob and his friends will help ensure that PCO and PRO will continue to work to improve the quality of life of people with PD and their families.”